I know that they don't call it this anymore since some douchebag UK player drove drunk back in the 90s, but it is what it is. I guess that is what happens when you haven't beaten a team in 25 years.
That is the biggest challenge Kentucky faces IMO - the fact that in the last 25 matchups with the Vols; the Vols are 25-0. There have been many close games, but it just seems as though UK hasn't been able to close the door.
If this game were in Lexington, I would strongly consider taking UK.
If this UT hadn't won 3 in a row, with a scare at Vandy LW, I would strongly consider taking UK.
If this wasn't Senior Day at Neyland Stadium with my personal favorite UT player ever, Nick Reveiz, playing his final game at home, I would strongly consider taking UK.
If Kentucky needed this win to become bowl eligible, not UT, I would strongly consider taking UK.
Having said all of the above, I still might strongly consider taking UK.
In all seriousness, this has the makings of a basketball game on a football field. I cannot see any way, but one, that this game doesn't go over the posted total of 58. The one reason would be that I think Tauren Poole can have success running the football against the Kats, and I think he will have ample opportunities to do so after QB Tyler Bray threw two picks against Vandy LW. This would keep Kentucky's offense off the field and keep the clock running.
UK QB Mike Hartline, RB Derrick Locke, and local Alcoa standout do all, Randall Cobb, will have plenty of chances to expose weaknesses in the Vols defense. The Vols, especially in the secondary, have gotten more aggressive the last few games, which have given them pick sixes, but will also allow for big plays if Hartline can sell it. CB Prentiss Waggner leads the nation with 3 pick sixes this year, and seems to be around the ball whether it is in the air or on the ground.
If the Vols can have success running the ball early, then it could be lights out for UK because of one man - Freshman WR Justin Hunter. Over the last 3-4 weeks, many in the SEC have become aware of the 6'4 wideout who was a high school high jump champion. He demands being double covered, so if Poole can run the football, that may free up Hunter for the one on one jump balls that we have seen from Bray. Hell, I have seen him catch two jump balls for TD's with two guys on him.
What Hunter has been able to do on the perimeter has directly affected the middle of the field, which SR WRs Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore, and SR TE Luke Stocker have taken advantage of. Freshman WR DaRick Rogers, has also been the focus of some reverse calls that teams are having to focus on as well.
Where the Vols have sucked donkey dick, is in the punting game. The Count(Dooley) has tried damn near every player with two hands to catch punts and no one appears to be up to the task. In his weekly press conference, The Count said he told his players that they have come up with a new rule, and that is if you wave your hand up high, all you have to do is catch the ball and the other team can't hit you! In all seriousness, I think whoever is receiving punts will only be fair catching the ball. He even mentioned not having anyone back and just dealing with it.
UK's only road win of the season, came @ Louisville during week one. In typical UK football fashion, they have a head scratcher of a win against South Carolina and lost to Auburn at home by only 3.
Here is how I am playing this game:
The ONLY way Kentucky wins and or covers, is if the game goes over. They will not be able to stop the Vols defensively. Kentucky has to score and will have to score 30+. Therefore, I am going to go with the Vols and the over and expect a fun game to watch.
